The Heads of Melbourne’s bay. Photograph: © SAF — Coastal Care
“The Rip”, also known as “The Heads”, is a dangerous stretch of water in Victoria, Australia, connecting Port Phillip and Bass Strait. It is the only entrance for shipping into Port Phillip and hence into Melbourne. Because of large tidal flows through the relatively narrow channel from the bay to the ocean, and a high rocky seabed, The Rip has claimed many ships and lives…Australia’s Prime Minister Mr Harold Holt stepped into the surf at Cheviot Beach there, and was never to be seen again. The Australian leader was presumed drowned. Captions: CNN
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Despite a campaign launched in 2016 by the Australian Water Safety Council, the number of drowning fatalities has risen year-on-year since 2015.
One of the key messages about surf safety in Australia is to swim between the red and yellow flags, which are patrolled swimming areas at Australia’s most popular beaches. Drownings in such areas are extremely rare, however only 4% of all beaches on Australia’s vast coastline are patrolled…
